Search form

You are here

Solar Panel and Cart Construction

What We Do

The Solar Panel and Cart Construction project is comprised of two main elements. The first is making solar panels. As a group, we purchase multi-crystalline silicon solar cells and solder them together to make a photovoltaic module (solar panel). Then we construct a wooden and plexiglass frame to house the module and the electrical connection box.

The second task of the project is making an educational solar cart that we can take around to local schools and teach students about solar energy and engineering in general. We use the panels that we make to power a battery, which in turn, powers all of the projects. Some of the projects that we are working on or have made include, among others:

-Solar Tracker – Detects brightest point in the sky

-Charge Controller – Regulates charging of battery

-Music Maker – Functions like a piano

These projects can directly demonstrate solar technologies, like the tracker or they can be more broadly related to engineering.

We are always welcoming new members and their ideas for future projects. Please know that you need no prior knowledge to help out. We love to teach members new skills. This is a great hands-on project and you can focus on the area that interests you most. Some of the areas of focus include:

-Arduino Microcontroller Programming

-Electrical circuits, wiring, and soldering

-Mechanical Construction of all of the projects

-Outreach/Education – Taking the projects to schools and teaching the students

You can find us Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in Enarson Classroom Building Room 248. It would be wise to join the email list as well, in order to receive updates and reminders for meetings.

If you have any questions, please contact the project director, Nick Papa, at papa.24@osu.edu or any other SEO officer.